Grand County High School athletic director Ronald Dolphin recently was honored as past president of the Utah Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association during the organization’s annual conference held in St. George.
Dolphin has worked in high school athletics as a coach or director for 23 years, 22 of those years at Grand County High School.
Born in Monticello, Dolphin moved to Moab very early, and has lived his entire life connected to the Moab area. He graduated from Grand County, where he played four years in football and baseball, and wrestled for three years.
Dolphin went on to play football at Snow College and earn his associate’s degree. During his sophomore year he broke his back, ending his playing career. During his recovery, Dolphin became the assistant running backs coach for Snow and found his love and passion for coaching. He then attended Southern Utah University to receive his bachelor’s degree.
Dolphin spent his first year coaching and teaching in Gabbs, Nev. There he produced a winning eight-man football team, highly successful girls’ basketball team, and coached the junior high track team.
Dolphin then moved back to Moab, where he successfully coached football, wrestling, softball, and baseball for 13 years. In 1999, Ron became Grand County’s fifth athletic director. As the athletic director Dolphin has worked diligently with all extra-curricular activities and stakeholders to ensure success and appreciation for all at every level. He has spent many years as the scribe and secretary for region boards and the UIAAA.
Dolphin received his Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) designation in 2009, and also received the UIAAA’s “Athletic Director of the Year” award in 2010.
Dolphin has been married 23 years with his wife Melonie. The two have four children.
